A facelift is a cosmetic procedure designed to improve the contours of the face and correct skin laxity thus helping you regain your youthful appearance. While there are various techniques doctors and surgeons use, good facelifts, in general, are those that are the best fit for you, given your skin condition, your treatment goals, and the results you wish to achieve. In other words, the best facelift for a friend or someone you know may not necessarily be a perfect fit for you. You can only find out which is best for you when you consult a licensed facial plastic surgeon.

Good Facelifts: What are Your Options?

surgical facelift and a mini surgical facelift. If you’ve never had any cosmetic procedure done before, particularly a facelift, it would be helpful to learn a bit more about each of your options. It will help you have a more informed discussion with the plastic surgeon during consultation.

Here are a few things to know about different facelift techniques and why they’re considered good facelifts:

1. Full or traditional facelift

A full or traditional facelift is recommended for patients with advanced skin laxity on the face, jowls, and neck. Incisions are longer compared to a mini lift, and the surgeon usually needs to make several of these to achieve optimal results. These are typically made along the hairline, around and/or behind the ear, and under the chin.

A deep plane facelift is the most popular technique used these days for a traditional lift as it gives more natural-looking results. The surgeon manipulates the tissues beneath the skin to lift and tighten them. The skin is then placed back on and excess skin is removed to achieved that lifted and tightened appearance.

Typically, healing and recovery take longer compared to a mini lift and a non-surgical lift.

2. Mini facelift

Patients who are in their 40’s or 50’s with mild to moderate skin laxity are the ideal candidates for a mini surgical facelift. Incisions are shorter since the common target area is just the lower third of the face, leaving the chin and neck untouched. The procedure is much like a traditional lift in that tissues are manipulated and the skin is redraped. Excess skin is removed as well but with a mini lift, there usually is less excess skin to remove.

With a mini lift, the healing and recovery period is shorter compared to a traditional lift.

What is the best facelift for you?

The best facelift for your is one that effectively addresses your concerns. To learn more about facelifts in Washington D.C., please feel free to call Capital Facial Plastic Surgery at (240) 630-8175 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Adam E. Singleton, MD. You may also click here to schedule an appointment.